Getting Around Town for People with Disabilities

Services for people with special needs.

A functional society integrates all groups within it, people with special needs included. Providing an accessible infrastructure, an acceptant culture and inclusive policies emphasizes that they’re equally valued members of society, advocates disability consultant, Kholoud Al Haddad. When we’re able to do that, we obliterate the majority of the barriers they face. Jeddah is becoming more accessible for people with disabilities but information is difficult to find, so we interviewed Al Haddad and founder of Hope KSA Dr. Uzma Raheem, who provided crucial information to those with special needs and their caretakers.

Here are some tips on how to interact with people with disabilities in a manner that is not offensive.

Behave as you would with anyone else. Don’t focus on their disability but on them as a person. This also applies to parents of children with special needs.

Don’t ask “How did you get this? Is it something you have by birth or did you acquire it?” This immediately differentiates him from the rest, emphasizing his flaws or incompleteness. Rather, focus on his abilities.

Don’t feel pity. Don’t look at them differently.

If you think they need help, ask “Do you want me to help you with it?” Don’t impose or make them feel like they’re dependent.

‘Whatever the disability or disorder, there’s no human that doesn’t respond to love and to gentleness.’ Dr. Uzma Raheem

Here’s a list of organizations that provide services and assistance to those with disabilities.

1. Bayna Yadayya (بين يدي)

This app has a database of all the centers in Saudi that assist people with disabilities – those that specialize in education, rehabilitation, assessments and behavior modification.

2. Open Skies Jeddah

Horseback-riding is therapeutic and rehabilitative, tones muscles, strengthens the body, posture and balance, and improves breathing and the functionality of organs.

8. The Saudi ADHD Society

They offer knowledge and skill-based training so families can help their children rise to their maximum potential. They don’t have a center in Jeddah just yet, but if you call them, they’ll guide you to a doctor who can cater to your child’s specific needs.